They are in Challenge Cup action on Sunday when they visit Huddersfield Giants for one of the fourth round’s three top-flight ties, but Powell revealed they could have some casualties back in contention by the time league action resumes at home to Hull FC on Friday, March 21.
“Josh Griffin will play in the reserves this week, so that’s good,” Powell said of the veteran second-rower who underwent groin surgery in the off-season. “He has been out for quite a while.
“Ky Rodwell (torn hamstring) is not too far away and Cam Scott (hamstring) is the same, but Seth Nikotemo (fractured thumb) is still a few weeks off.
“We could potentially have a few back for the Hull game and if we stay reasonably healthy, I’ll have a tough job in a few weeks’ time, which is different to what I’ve had so far this season.”
Powell insisted he’s happy to have that sort of selection headache. “Those are the challenges you want,” he added. “In the middle unit in particular, we’ve had a few players who have been holding things together in a big way.”
Wakefield Trinity will make the short trip to Giants on the back of a 30-16 win at Warrington Wolves last week. They beat Leeds Rhinos in their other away game this year and Powell said: “Our confidence is building.
“We’ve got players who are growing around the place and getting better every week. Last week was a big win for us and I think in three out of our four games so far, we’ve been exceptional. We could easily have won three out of four, but I think two out of four is a decent return for our first block of games.
“We just want to build on that and having players coming back in helps with that. It puts pressure on places and allows us to rest people if anyone needs it.”
Giants have lost all four of their Super League matches, but – with only three more wins needed to secure a Wembley appearance – Powell expects them to be at their best this weekend.
He said: “It is away from home, but we’ve been good in away games so far this season. We will go there with some confidence, but knowing Huddersfield have shown some good signs.
“They have been close in games and they were in front at half-time quite a lot – including against Wigan last week.
“They are growing and they have got some players back. They have had quite a lot of injuries so it is very difficult to get a consistent gauge on them, but it is a tough challenge for us.
“We have just got to look after ourselves and keep doing what we are doing and building our game. We are still learning about what our identity is going to be – that takes a while when you’ve got 10 new players.”
